Can you tell me whether entering tombs is forbidden or discouraged and why? It makes me uncomfortable to go in them and I wonder whether those dead people are cursing us for raising them to such a high level. Is it disrespectful not to enter and wait outside the tomb?

Islam discourages us to make tombs and mausoleums since this can open the way to polytheism. History bears witness, that such places have often become centres of this evil creed. An Islamic state should take steps to avoid such constructions.

As far as an individual is concerned, he should be careful in this regard. Of course, he can enter them to view them as historical monuments. He must, however, remain cautious that He does not invoke the dead who lies within lest he should blunder into an act of polytheism. If he feels uncomfortable or uneasy, he can avoid entering them. This would not come under disrespect.